Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) general manager Mike Buczkowski has received a promotion, as he has been named president of Rich Baseball Operations. Buczkowski will oversee the day-to-day operation of not only the Bisons, but also the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Class AA; Texas League) and the West Virginia Black Bears (Short Season A; NY-Penn League).
In conjunction with Buczkowski’s promotion, Rich Products Corp. has announced that Jonathan Dandes has been named Corporate Vice President of Governmental Relations & Special Projects at their worldwide headquarters in Buffalo, NY.
“Mike is a trusted leader across our entire baseball footprint, including here in Buffalo with the Bisons as well as in Northwest Arkansas and West Virginia, and his promotion serves as outstanding recognition for Mike’s deep commitment to Rich Baseball Operations,” said Joe Segarra, Chief Operating Officer or Rich Entertainment Group. “At the same time, Rich’s is fortunate to retain Jon’s vast experience in community and government relations. He has developed deep and meaningful relationships within Buffalo and will continue to drive initiatives that help transform our city.”
Buczkowski began his now 33-year career with the Bisons as Public Relations Assistant in 1987 and has served as the club’s General Manager since 1993. He was promoted to Vice President, Bison Baseball in 1999, and to Vice President of Rich Baseball Operations in 2017. Buczkowski holds the distinction of being the longest tenured GM in the club’s 135-year history. In addition to his baseball responsibilities, he serves on the boards of Western New York United Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Bisons Charitable Foundation.
In his new role at Rich Products Corp., Dandes will work closely on Rich’s philanthropic efforts. He joined Rich’s in 1986 as a Product Manager and was named Vice President/General Manager of Stadium Services, Inc. in 1988, and Executive Vice President of the Rich Entertainment Group in 1996. He served as President of Rich Baseball Operations since 2001 and currently serves as chair of the board for the Buffalo Zoo, Erie County Medical Center, and the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation, and is vice chair of Upstate New York Transplant Services. Dandes will continue to represent Rich Baseball Operations as treasurer of the NY-Penn League and chair of the finance committee of the Texas League.